AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd won’t be joining the band in New Zealand

Toronto, ON, Canada / Corus Radio - Shared

Posted: June 12, 2015 01:34 am

In April, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. As he awaits trial, he’s been unable to play with the band, but there was some speculation that he’d perform with them at upcoming shows in New Zealand, as he lives there. However, band manager Garry Van Egmond has stated that this will not happen.

“Chris Slade will be on drums,” he tells Bay Of Plenty Times. “He replaced Phil when he left the band some years back and he has been playing in the ‘Rock Or Bust’ tour worldwide.”

Van Egmond adds that there is “no confirmation that Phil has left the band permanently” but adds, “All I can say is that Phil will not be playing in the New Zealand concerts.”